11.30.2010

(CNN) -- Kelly, 22, has suffered from depression since age 8. But it's only recently that she realized how much worse she feels when her acne flares up. During the two years in college when her depression waned, so did her skin problems. "When I was free of the depression, I was feeling completely confident and able to make use of all of the opportunities, and much more able to present myself and meet people," said Kelly, who asked that her last name not be used. "And, of course, also with the acne clearing up, I didn't worry about people seeing me and judging me based on acne." The connection between acne and depression has long been documented, especially in teens, but some attributed it to particular medications for acne such as isotretinoin (sold as Accutane, Clarus and others). But a recent study in the British Medical Journal found that the drug itself may not matter; according to Swedish researchers, acne itself raises the risk of depression and suicide attempt.

11.23.2010

The fact is, it may take a few years yet for you to receive the thank you that you really deserve: Thank you for cupping your hand under my chin when I threw up my ravioli. Thank you for putting diaper ointment on me while I had that stomach thing. Thank you for cutting the scratchy labels out before I put on my shirt. Thank you for letting me watch the ants march by on the sidewalk for as long as I wanted. Thank you for always having tissues in your bag. Thank you for asking if the restaurant has crayons. Thanks for kissing my forehead when I have a bad dream. You’re the best!

So while children may not show outward appreciation or thankfulness much before age 3, like other values you want to instill in your child, you can start nurturing the idea of gratitude even in your child’s first year.- National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families

11.13.2010

UC Davis OnlineWorth Contemplating Scientists and scholars examine the power of meditation. The group’s next research paper, due out this fall, will describe the benefits of meditation in “self-regulation” and “emotional well-being.” In other words, meditation may help someone who is frustrated become more aware of this feeling, and thus better able to control the impulsive behavior that could ensue. Postdoctoral researcher Baljinder Sahdra is the lead author for this paper.

"There is nothing more thrilling in this world, I think, than having a child that is yours, and yet is mysteriously a stranger." - Agatha Christie

11.05.2010

Try these on for size (aka healthy communication):

"My needs have changed"

"I'm not comfortable with this/that"

"That doesn't work for me"

11.04.2010

"It is perhaps the most potent question to echo from the cold war: Who lost Vietnam? Well, there were certainly many factors, but an important new book forces us to consider this: For the first time in human history, a poorly trained peasant army humbled a great power with the gun its fighters carried in their hands. This is the story of that gun, and of the scandalous way that Washington responded to it." read more: http://www.esquire.com/features/ak-47-history-1110#ixzz14Kc3B6hN